Inishbofin

I’m planning to camp out and go Kayaking in the rain, this weekend in Galway; and I’m stunned to discover that I’m excitedly looking forward to it. Where has girly Gates gone?

Anyway, great event this weekend. It’s the ‘big splash’ Inishbofin swim. Half a dozen hardy souls are planning to swim from Cleggan Harbour to Inishbofin Island – that’s 8 miles in tough conditions. I used to keep a horse on the Island and I’ve spent many an afternoon getting sick on the ferry over, so I know how choppy those Atlantic waters can be.

I’m not swimming – but I’ve offered to Kayak to help with the ‘boat cover’ for the swimmers. I reckon it will be great experience and a hard work-out in preperation for my ‘Concern’ kayak challenge in Uganda this November. I have absolutely no idea whether I can ‘go the distance’. My new Kayak friends say it’s not likely; I’m not experienced enough, and my kayak is a very short ‘sit-on’ which means I’ll have a wet ass and very little stability in big waves!

The organisers have promised to pull me out of the water if it’s not working though, and I’ve got all the safety gear, so I’m not worried about that end of things. They’ve also told me they don’t mind if I wimp out and they promise I won’t be causing a problem if they have to fish me out. So all bases seem to be covered. Now all I need to do is get wet and work up some blisters. (I think I’d better bring gloves). Wish me luck – and I’ll let you know on Monday how I got on.

I’ll also let you know how the swimmers did – they’re heroes already for even thinking of doing it, and they’re all swimming for various charities too. Can’t wait to meet them all.

Have a great weekend, whatever you’re doing. And remember , if you’re thinking of getting active – stop thinking about it, just get up and do it. If I can, anyone can. 🙂